2 Nephi 11 - 16

What a wonderful opportunity we have to study Isaiah (again).  In thinking about understanding Isaiah's writings, I believe that there are four foundational principles, perhaps we can call them assumptions, which are required to understand Isaiah.  Firstly, we must know the Gospel of Jesus Christ (3 Nephi 27:13-21); then we must have a knowledge, perhaps even a thorough knowledge, of the plan of salvation; thirdly, we need to have a testimony of Jesus Christ (and I use that term broadly to include His mission, His Atonement, His Resurrection, His Grace and His redemptive and enabling power in our lives) and fourth, we need to be spiritually mature. (See http://ldsces.org/inst_manuals/ot-in-2/ot-in2-05-isa1.htm)

Then, when we study Isaiah I believe the further work required of us is to learn the history of the house of Israel (especially Jacob 5 and something about the election of the House of Israel) and of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah ... and the geography of the lands pertaining to that history.

I think that the capstone (to use a term that is sometimes over-used) to an understanding of Isaiah is familiarity with imagery, metaphor, simile, figures, types, shadows - the more subtle expressions that allow for deeper understanding.

Then ... read, ponder, write, reflect, draw, illustrate, journal ... understanding, appreciating and loving Isaiah is indeed a wonderful journey of discovery!

One of the topics addressed in our reading this week (2 Nephi 11 - 16 ) - and indeed a theme of the first twelve chapters of Isaiah is that of Babylon and Zion.

The 2003 devotional by H Dennis Tolley has some fascinating facts about ancient Babylon ... how would you describe Babylon?  What makes Babylon is the antithesis of Zion? Reaching deeper, Babylon is an archetype - of what or who?  

Happy studying and journalling!  Next week we will move on to Zion - what is Zion?  How does Zion fit into the church context? What is our relationship to Zion and our responsibilities towards Zion? What imagery is used to describe Zion?

Some additional helps:

ISAIAH

BYU Scripture Discussions on 2 Nephi 11 - 16 : 

http://www.byutv.org/watch/d50a3dfa-a848-4625-9521-d05a001d2f5d/discussions-on-the-book-of-mormon-2-nephi-11-16

BYU Scripture Discussions on Isaiah:

http://www.byutv.org/show/b1bb0017-2884-41f0-8924-febe874bebb2

BABYLON

H Dennis Tolley : Doing Business in Babylon

http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=820

Elder Kim B. Clark : Buiding Zion Together

http://www2.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2009_09_15_Clark.htm